Hello everyone.
It is great to already see a few familiar names, and I look forward to working with many of you who are new to the program. This is my 6th MET course, and I have really been inspired by the creative individuals that I have come to know through discussion forums and group work. I have finished the core courses and this is my second elective. My name is Sandy Magnussen and my job is the Special Education Technology Coordinator for a coastal school district in B.C., Canada. I chose the MET program as I thought it would be the best fit for my own learning, and it is that and so much more! My role is to support all learners in our district, adults included, to use the technology tools that they have available to them to enhance their own learning. I work with individual students, groups, EA’s, parents, and to co – teach with classroom teachers. I work closely with SST’s, District Teachers District OT, PT and SLP and the IT dept. My belief in the principles of Universal Design for Learning have guided my philosophy of education, and more current models, such as SAMR( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6j8soDYoaw) help to really integrate technology into learning. I think I have some like-minded classmates in this group!
I am excited for this course, as I have no background in ventures in learning technologies, but am keen to go in a new direction with my own learning! I had a little break after course # 5 this summer, so I am rested and ready to go! I live near the ocean and run daily in the woods, have 2 teenage boys at home, one 15 and one who is turning 17 next week and in his Gr 12 year. My daughter recently graduated from UBC with a degree in political science and is writing her LSAT in Oct. I chose this image as watching my boys in the waves in Tofino this summer represents for me the joy of adventure and new experiences, and that is what life is all about!
I look forward to learning with you all this semester!
Sandy